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When shopping for a fantastic shawl, you may get beyond the word Wool, Cashmere, and Pashmina – often used. But these clothes are not the same. Each has its own history, source, experience and value.

In this guide, we will help you understand the important differences between these three popular fabrics and answer the most common questions:

  • Is Pashmina better than Cashmere?
  • Which is warmer: Wool, Cashmere, or Pashmina?

If you are looking for a reliable place to shop, KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium provides premium-quality wool, cashmere, and 100% authentic Pashmina shawls — handcrafted since 1950.

Understanding the Basics

Let’s start with what each of these materials actually is:

Wool

  • Source: Common sheep
  • Texture: Coarser and thicker
  • Warmth: Moderate to high, depending on quality
  • Price: Generally affordable
    Wool is widely available and used for all types of winter wear. However, it’s the least fine and soft among the three.

Cashmere

  • Source: Cashmere goats (mostly from Mongolia or Tibet)
  • Texture: Softer and lighter than regular wool
  • Warmth: Very warm, yet lightweight
  • Price: Higher than wool, varies by grade
    Cashmere is prized for its softness and insulating ability. It’s a luxurious upgrade over sheep wool.

Pashmina

  • Source: Changthangi goats in Ladakh, India (a rare breed)
  • Texture: Extremely fine and soft (10–16 microns vs 15–19 in cashmere)
  • Warmth: Warmer than cashmere, feather-light
  • Price: Premium and rare
    Pashmina is the finest grade of cashmere, and its handmade craftsmanship makes it more valuable and exclusive.

Is Pashmina Better Than Cashmere?

Yes — in terms of softness, craftsmanship, and rarity.
While pashmina technically is a type of cashmere, it sources from the Changthangi goats in the high region of Ladakh, making it soft, lighter and more luxuriousthan machine-spun cashmere.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature Cashmere (Regular) Pashmina (Pure)
Fiber Thickness 15–19 microns 10–16 microns
Weaving Method Often machine-made Hand-spun and handwoven
Feel Soft Softer, more delicate
Origin Mongolia, China, Tibet Kashmir (Ladakh, India)
Price & Rarity Expensive, widely sold Premium, rare, artisan-made

If you are really looking for something exclusive and timeless, Pashmina is better.

Which Is Warmer: Wool, Cashmere, or Pashmina?

Here’s how they stand when it comes to warmth and comfort:

  1. Pashmina – Offers maximum heat without weight. Because it is ultra-fine and handwoven, it feels light and traps the heat while feeling light on the skin.
  2. Cashmere – Also very hot and comfortable, especially in cold climates. The machine produced by Cashmere may look a little heavy.
  3. Wool – Good for moderate winter use but not as soft or light. Some types can be itchy or bulky.

So if you shop for elegance and warmth, Pashmina ranks to the top – both in performance and luxury.

Where to Buy Premium Wool, & Pashmina Shawls?

KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium is your reliable premium destination, authentic shawl since 1950. Here’s why thousands of global shoppers choose KCS:

  • 100% Pure Pashmina, Cashmere & Wool shawls
  • Handwoven and artisan-crafted in Kashmir
  • Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Worldwide delivery with quality packaging
  • Heritage brand trusted for over 70 years

Whether you’re dressing for a winter event or gifting a piece of timeless elegance, KCS offers quality that speaks for itself.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to shawls, not all clothes are made the same. Wool is common, Cashmere is luxury, and Pashmina is legendary. If you are someone who gives significance to tradition, softness and sophistication, a handwoven Pashmina is worth every penny.

Explore our premium shawl collection at KCS Kashmir Shawl Emporium and wrap yourself in warmth, history and unmatched beauty.

Harsh Dagar

Harsh Dagar

Editor